What it is…..AND… what it does

Alright ladies… are you wondering when you read the labels on your skincare these days what the heck that stuff is – and more importantly, what does it all do???????

Here you go…

Vitamin C / Ascorbic Acid (or my personal fave – magnesium ascorbyl phosphate!)

Unless you are super sensitive you can use it. It will treat sun damage and aging. It neutralizes free radicals, you know, those tricky buggers are everywhere breaking down our collagen, causing wrinkles, blotchy skin and inflammation (rosacea).

Who does it best? Dr. Brandt “C” Gel $90 at www.drbrandtskincare.com and Murad Essential-C Eye Cream $65 at www.murad.com

Ferulic Acid / 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic Acid (don’t you love it?)

Dry to normal skin reacts best to this one. It treats sun damage and aging just like our friend Vitamin C. It is usually combined with C and E to stabilize them and keep the C from breaking down so quickly.

Who does it best? Well, no one cheaply, but the best bargain is Synovia-Labs CE Ferulic $89 at www.synovialabs.com

Salicylic Acid / Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

Best for normal to oily skin. It will treat acne and irritation. It cuts through sebum to get rid of blackheads. (Sebum, by the way, is the bad oil that clogs pores.) If you are allergic to aspirin, best to stay away from this sebum slaying samuri.

Who does it best? Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Face Lotion $7.50 at CVS

Retinol / Retynyl Palmitate

Again, normal to oily skin. It will treat sun damage, acne and aging. Over the counter version of Retinoids (vitamin A). It basically helps produce more collagen, and stronger elastic tissues on the surface of the skin so that over time it reduces the length and depth of wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming. NOTE: DO NOT USE THIS IF YOU HAVE ROSACEA OR ECZEMA!

Who does it best? Estee Lauder Diminish Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Treatment $80 at Bloomingdales.

Hyluronic Acid / Sodium Hyaluronate (my personal fave!)

Absolutely all skin types – especially we scaly, dry girls! It treats aging! It attracts and seals water into the skin. We all know water is the key to life, youth and health!

Who does it best? Once again, Estee Lauder – they have the patent on their product and I haven’t seen a product that binds more moisture to the skin than theirs… Advanced Night Repair – comes in three sizes and varies in price, but you can get it at Bloomingdales and it is worth every penny! I wish they made one for the butt, bust and anywhere else we sag! You will see the difference in about 4 weeks time, but continue to use it until they pry the bottle out of your cold, dead hands Ladies!

Idebenone / Q-10 (or my favorite – ubiquinone)

Absolutely all skin types will love this – face or body. It treats sun damage, irritation, and aging! One of the strongest and best antioxidants you can get in a cosmetic product. It preserves collagen and elastin – that is the stuff that holds the skin firm, like a support system.

Who does it best? Hands down, Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage $150 at www.elizabetharden.com

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Great for all skin types except for sensitive. It treats aging and sun damage.

Basically an exfoliator that stimulates collagen production. This stuff is powerful stuff, so be careful with it ladies and follow directions carefully.

Who does it best? Dr. Perricone, of course! Advanced Eye Therapy $95 at www.nvperriconemd.com